URL: https://moderngov.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6243

Decision Maker: Officer Delegated Decision

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Decision:    This decision is taken under delegated powers set out in Paragraph 145 of the Officer Scheme of Delegation in the Council’s constitution, which grants delegated authority to undertake all action in order to regulate any actual, perceived or potential breach of any of the Town and Country Planning Legislation including:     To determine whether or not to take and/or to cease action whether because in his/her opinion the breach is trivial, there is insufficient demonstrable harm and/or, it is not expedient to take / continue to take action    This authority has been delegated to me through the Local Scheme of Nomination for the Executive Director for Place.    This case is in relation to flag poles being erected along the road at a new build development site. The initial complaint was that nine poles had been installed.    On site visit day there where in fact only six installed. Four in front of each respective project show house, with evidence of the other flag poles having been removed. Which may well have been the result of OIC conversation with Tech Officer for David Wilson Homes prior to visit.    Each pole height is approx. 4.8 metres which is not significantly greater than the guidance of 4.6 metres. With a slim banner. The poles do not appear illuminated or cause a road obstruction or obstruction to the footway. The banners themselves are a dark green and grey colour and the poles are an off white.    The technical breach of planning control has been assessed as low harm with low impact on amenity and it is therefore closed as not expedient to pursue given current case volumes and a requirement to direct resources to higher priority matters.     The alternative option would be to pursue formal enforcement action. However, it is not considered expedient to pursue formal action. This is in line with Government guidance which suggests that Local Planning Authorities should act proportionately in responding to suspected breaches of planning control.  N/A

Date of Decision: February 6, 2026